OTAGO UNIVERSITY.

Otago Witness, Issue 3097, 23 July 1913, Page 7

OTAGO UNIVERSITY.

CAPPING CEREMONY. The annual ceremonial of presenting those University students who have been successful in their studies during the past year with their diplomas was held in Kno x Church Sunday School Hall on the Hth. There was a very largo attendance of those interested, and the chair was occupied by Sir Robert Stout (chancellor ot the New Zealand University), who was attended by the registrar (Mr Barclay Hector). There were also present on the platform the Mayor of the city (Mr W. Downie Stewart), Rev. A. Cameron (chancellor of the Otago University), Pro* fessors Shand, Gilray, Malcolm. Hewitson, Dickie, Benham, Marshall, Ingiis, Drs Barnett, Ogston, Moore, Canon Woodthorpe, Messrs G. E. Thompson, T. D. Adams, John Boss W. J. Morrell, J. Hutchison, F. H. Campbell, J. H. Lang, C. G. White, A. A. Finch. F. B. Adams, G. W. Reid, and others. The presence of the undergraduates was early in evidence, and the appearance of the chancellor was the signal for strict and particular attention being given to his robes, which happened to consist of the Zingan colours. This fact was not lost upon the students at the rear of the hall, and they made sure that it should not escape the attention of those present. The chancellor had no sooner began his speech than there was a great rustling of paper, and a glance towards the rear of the building showed that two-thirds of the students were hidden behind newspapers, which they ostentatiously consulted and rustled, evidently with the two-fold object of making it plain that they ignored what was being said, and creating sufficient disturbance to prove disconcerting to any but a very experienced speaker. After a brief pause the Chancellor proceeded with his speech, but ere long the interruption, which was never, however, very boisterous, again caused him to halt, and on this occasion say: “I wish to notify the undergraduates that if there is another interruption I shall adjourn the meeting.” All went well for a few minqtes. but the interruption was again renewed, and there were cries of “ Turn it off. ’ The Chancellor then said: “ I am not in the habit of threatening when I don't intend to perform, hut if there is any further interruption I shall certainly adjourn.” He then proceeded with his address, an occasional subdued cat-call or indication _ of someone being in heavy slumber coming from the back of the hall. The students, however, broke out again shortly afterwards with shouts of “ Here we are again,” but order quickly followed. From that onwards there was a succession of wild, storms and calms until for the third time the chancellor repeated his warning. Matters again simmered down, and quiet reigned except for an occasional snore, which gradually assumed the form of a chorus of snores, and then faded away, and soon afterwards the chancellor concluded his remarks. It cannot bo said that the disturbance was of a very extensive order, nor were the students unruly at any time. They appeared fo claim the right to a little latitude, and that was conceded them THE CHANCELLOR’S ADDRESS. The Chancellor spoke as follows: — I must first congratulate not only those connected with the Otago University, but the Provincial district of Otago and Southland, that the good work begun in 1871. when the University opened, is still continued. This year the record of honours obtained is high, and the fact that in the department of science it transcends of other colleges shows that the Otago University is well equipped with teachers of science. One of the students has obtained the Rhodes Scholarship; and, it was, I may say, unanimously awarded. I am sure all of xis wish every success and prosperity to Mr Milos, not doubting that he will uphold his own honour and the honour of the Otago University, and that ho will be a credit to the dominion. And to those students who are leaving the halls of learning behind them and entering into those larger halls, the halls of the world, may I be permitted to convey the best wishes of all. I hope, however, it is not necessary to impress on those who have entered upon what may be called the real struggle of life that we look to them not to forget the past. All University matters should ever remain of interest to them. They should consider that its management and its welfare are their concern in an especial manner. When the foundations of Scottish education were laid by John Knox and the other Johns, the relationship of the student to the community was emphasised. The wealthier men were to send their sons —if they had capacity—to the University, not for their own welfare, but that they might better serve the State. And. surely that is the highest ideal of education —that every youth according to his capacity—and capacities vary—should be so trained that he might do the State some service. To each and every student the State is in fact calling: ‘‘l have need of thee.” See that you obey the call. Is our education system, that has trained and helped you, to bo maintained and improved from time to time as circumstances require? Or, is it to bo put in the “ melting pot.” as it is termed, by those who know little of us, or of our history? To some people a suggestion that wo should alter our system is favourable if it comes from one abroad. In fact. I have in my mind's eve one enthusiast who, after a two weeks’ stay in Wellington, thought our education system was out of joint, and that be could set it rie-bt. His knowledge of even our geography was scant; of our history be had but'a modicum of knowledge; and he know nothing of the institutions which he had not r.eor., but his courage was great. Happily in university matters we have been preserved from theological controversy. We have believed in the wisdom of the following voids of an eminent Anglican divine, thf Rev. J. C. R. Ewing. D.D.. LL.D., Vice-chancellor of the Punjab University, and principal of the Former Christian College Lahore: “In a university open to all creed? the compulsory teaching of the tenets of any particular creed i? neither desirable nor possible. . - ■ .The principle of non-intervention in religion renders it imperative ilia’ there should be no tenoning of the tenets of any particular faith in° these schools and colleges maintained and controlled, by the Government. It is not necessary that T should point out fo vou how some of the less experienced and youthful professors have depreciated and defamed our University. They apparently do not understand that charges made against the University are grave re-

flections on the graduates and on the professors. An able educationalist said that the teachers make the university, and if its teaching institutions have failed to train and teach their students the blame rests on the teachers, and not on the examiners. It would not be edifying to pointedly refer to all the vapourings tc which during the past few years one has had to listen. The fact is that the present government both of our colleges and of our University is threatened. Can we depend upon „r 6 graduates of the Otago University to do their duty to their Alma Mater in this crisis? If they thihk that the professors ought to examine their own students —if they think that such a method of examination will really be a fair test, a,nd one that will give confidence to the public—then let it bo so resolved. We live in a democracy, and we must bow to the will of the people, and what will be best for them and their institutions. But let us all clearly understand what is meant by the proposed changes. The demand for change is not confined to the question of appointing the teachers as examiners. The professors arc to rule. The Senate is to do nothing unless by leave of the professors. That is, so far as I can gather, the idea of the leading reformers, and is their objective. I hardly think that any citizen of self-respect would care for a seat on the Senate under such conditions. Our present University is controlled by a representative body. That body is representative of the graduates, of the affiliated bodies, of the professors, and of the Government of the State. The State is represented by four, the professors by four, the graduates by eight, and the affiliated bodies by eight members. If the State, the professors, the graduates, and the affiliated institutions choose to elect none but professors; that can be done. The professors are under no disabilities —they are eligible to be chosen. As a matter of fact, out of 24 senators, nine are at present professors, there are two other members who have been on the University staff, two others distinguished secondary school teachers —one of these being now Inspector-generals of schools, and one is head of colleges. The “ lay element,” as it is termed, is. therefore, not in predominance. In comparison with the constitution of legislative bodies of newer universities, the system of our University occupies no mean position. The Senate has never refused to consider any suggestions from professors. As a general rule it has never made a programme of studies or altered 1 the existing programme without consulting the teachers of the subjects affected. Of course, it would be idle to ask of one who is merely an expert in mathematics about the programme in classics, or to ask an expert in chemistry to criticise the requirements of a pass in mental and moral philosophy. Specialisation has to ne recognised in education as in other things, and a conference of professors might be no more competent to draw up, for example, a programme of studies than a conference of laymen. The majority might bo ignorant of the subject. A committee of the Senate has sent proposals for an alteration in the constitution of the University to the councils, the professorial boards, and the convocations lor the districts. Sir Robert outlined the proposals, and then went on to say: The struggle in England during the past 53 years has been to get the older Universities placed under democratic control. Commission has followed commission, and committees of the Privy Council have framed statutes to liberalise' their management. It is a pity that those who want the changes suggested in Schemes A and B had not been consulted. If we are to have a change in the constitution of our University and its affiliated institutions it should be in the direction of more and not less popular election and control. In an address I delivered in Christchurch I dealt with the question of external examinations, and explained that if the system proposed is introduced the State will have no guarantee that its highest educational system is efficiently conducted. We need independent examination to maintain the status of our University in the eyes of the public. May I add one word'in conclusion? I was one of the first, if not the first, to enter myself some 42 years ago as a student of Otago University. Who chat was present then in whaj are called the Stock Exchange Buildings will over forget the addresses of Macgrcgor, Sale, and Shand’at the opening of the University and the enthusiasm of those days? Macgrcgor has passed away, but his memory is kept green by all his students. Bale happily is alive and in his native land, and may lie live long! Those who wore under him c\cr >.egard him with the higlttst respect. We hear now that the last of the three —Dr Shand—is to give up his work tins year. He is present, and I know his nature; I therefore restrain myself. lie does not ask and dors not desire praise. But I know I am vo cing the feelings of all those who have had the inestimable good fortune to be his students when I say that thev wish him well, and they recognise his great services not only to them but also to education in this country. And in his retirement he has their e-teom. their gratitude and their love. Wo all wish him many happy years of wellearned ease and rest. SUCCESSFUL STUDENTS. The Chancellor then distributed the dip’omas obtained. The following is the list of these securing degrees and honours, as road out by the Registrar (Mr Hector):— MASTER OP ARTS. Herbert Stanley Adams, William Arthur Cuizon-Siggcrs, Dorothy Emily Horton, Jemima Kennedy, Agnes Lang London, John Marwick, Frederick Fisher Miles, Mary M‘Millan Mills, John Cruiekshank Morrison (of Victoria College), Cuthbert Parr. William Marsland Uttley, William Wright. . HONOURS IN ARTS. 11. S. Adams, second class in mental science; W. A. Carzon-Siggcrs, first class honours in languages and. literature (Latin and Greek) ; Dorothy E. Horton, second class in languages and literature (English and French); Jemima Kennedy, third class in languages and literature (Latin and English) ; Agues L. Loudon, second class in languages and literature (English and French); J. Marwick, first class in natural science "(geology); F. F. Miles, first class in languages and literature (English and French), also first class honours in mathematics and mathematical physics; Mary M. Mills, third class honours in languages and literature (Latin and German); J. C. Mornson, third class honours in political science; C. Parr, first class honours in mental science; W. M. Uttley.-second class honours in mental science; W. Wright, third class in mental science.

MASTER OF SCIENCE. John Alexander Colquhoun, Eric Oswald Horens, George Harold Robertson, William Alexander Stuart. HONOURS IN SCIENCE. J. A. Colquhoun, third class honours in physical science (electricity); E. 0. Herons, first class honours in mathematics and mathematical physics, also second class in physical science (electricity); G. H. Robertson, second class honours in chemistry (physical); W. A. Stuart, second class honours in physical science (heat), also second class in physical science (electricity). BACHELOR OF ARTS. Frank Forrester Adamson, Agnes Borrie, Richard Patrick Connell, Catherine Copland, Patrick Francis Ouilen. Norman Harrison Dempster, Laura Henderson Fyfe, Ivy Annie Learrnonth, Donald Neil Mao Diarmid, Joseph Bibby Mawson, Mabel Isabel Miller, Ronald Miller, Claude M'Carthy, William Henry Purvis MTvenzie, Daniel M'Laughlin, Patrick Augustine Ongloy, Ernest Partridge. Henry Devenish Skinner, Cecil M‘Lean Smith, James Douglas Smith, James Thompson, Elsie Elizabeth Alice Vickery, Frank Howitt Wilkinson, BACHELOR OF SCIENCE. George Brownlee Isdalc, John Alexander Moore, M.A., Margaret Samuel. BACHELOR OF LAWS. John Houston. James Moir Paterson, M.A., Cyril Malcolm Rout (conferred at Wellington). BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND BACHELOR OF SURGERY. Wilbarn Farquhar Findlay, Leslie Alan Spedding, Alexander Meikiojohn Trotter (conferred on April 15). BACHELOR OF MEDICINE AND SURGERY. David Livingstone Sinclair, Thomas Harold Pettit, William Sowerby, Cyril Victor Atmore Baigent, Dugald George Mathoson, Kenneth Isaac Woodward, James Garfield Mitchell, Roger Buddie, BACHELOR OF DENTAL SURGERY. John Llewellyn Saunders, Horace Edwin Suckling. BACHELOR OF SCIENCE IN ENGINEERING (Metallurgical). John Henderson, D.Sc. UNIVERSITY SENIOR SCHOLARSHIPS. James Thompson (in French), Frank Howitt Wilkinson (in mental science). JOHN TINLINE SCHOLARSHIP. Frank Forrester Adamson. RHODES SCHOLARSHIP. Frederick Fisher Miles. MEDICAL TRAVELLING SCHOLARSHIP. William Sowerby. COOK PRIZE. Eric Oswald Horens. The diplomas having been presented, the Chancellor said: “ I have now to declare the proceedings ended. I have to thank graduates for their attendance, and for their courteous behaviour. I am very sorry I cannot extend my congratulations to the University students. I now declare the proceedings ended.